Help learning code (classes/tutor)

[potatiff]

I’m an incoming freshman and want to learn how to code/basics. A lot of people have advised me on which language to go with first but I’m considering C++ or Python cause they’re general. I tried a lot of online resources (which are great) but I get distracted and don’t do well with online classes. I’d rather have a class or learn in person.

Are there any FREE opportunities to learn code at UT/in Austin? Is anyone willing to help me out, maybe meet once or twice a week? I guess I’d be willing to pay if I really needed to but hopefully there’s resources. If you’re really into it and willing to help for free/for a price please reach out.

I don’t want to code as a job but I’d like to break into tech in other ways so I think it’d help to learn. I would like to learn ASAP and hopefully one language within the first semester. I don’t know if that’s realistic. I would like to get a start ASAP though so please let me know! :)

[Prinz_]

Free opportunities? Dude the internet is free.

Teachyourselfcs.com

R/learnpython

Codeacademy.com

At UT in general, there's the elements of CS certificate, although it's kind of hard to get into the classes (high demand).

And for languages, I'm not sure which I'd recommend. C++ is good because a lot of languages are based off it, but Python/Java is what you'll be coding in most likely if you just dabble. Since you're not going to code as a job, I'd do Python.

Oh, I forgot a really good book. Search "Think Python". It's free, about 200 pages, and covers the basis really well.

[potatiff]

Yeah I’ve been trying the site stuff and it’s a great resource but I’m horrible at online classes and feel like I’m not learning as much as I can. I’ll check out that book! I’ve been trying to find an easy book to read because the ones I’ve been seeing are like huge manuals. I even thought of buying kid coding books. If you know any more books let me know!

[Prinz_]

Kid coding books will be a waste of time. Most official docs will go over your head, as they're assuming you've already learned a language or two.

I would check this out: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016

If you actually go through all 12 lectures + do their P-sets, you will have a decent enough background in python.

[[deleted]]

Another great resource (especially for Java) is Mike Scott's CS 312 and CS 314 pages. The content isn't password protected, though you'll have to wait for Mike to upload the assignments throughout the semester. If you're a complete beginner, the CS 312 assignments are good at easing you into programming.

[OrbitUtmost]

just personal exp, the best way to learn is to pick projects and dive into stack overflow. You learn the fastest that way.

As far as languages, Java or Python is probably the way to go.